https://aeva.asn.au/electric-vehicle-charging-etiquette/
Electric vehicle charging etiquette
Updated January 2024.
EV charging is not like visiting a petrol station. Here are a few things to keep in mind at public chargers:
EV charging offers an opportunity to exercise good manners.
- Have a chat with another EV driver 😀
Pick the charger to suit your plans.
- Pick a faster charger if you are just grabbing a takeaway coffee. Pick a slower charger if you have big shopping plans.
- DC chargers are relatively fast while AC charging is slow.
- Chargers with multiple plugs will often share available power between multiple users, so use an unoccupied charger if you can to avoid slowing down charging for you and others.
NEVER park in a charging bay if you are not charging!
- It is inconsiderate and fines now apply around Australia.
- Move your car as soon as it has finished charging.
Be tidy
- Always return the charger cable to its dock.
- Never leave your rubbish around the charger.
Avoid charging above 80% at a DC fast charger
Unless nobody is waiting and the distance to your next stop requires additional charging.
- Others waiting will get increasingly annoyed as your charging slows right down.
- EV batteries cannot accept charge as quickly once over 80%.
- Charging from 80-100% can take as long as charging from 10-80%.
- On a long trip, two partial charges are quicker than one long charge.
If you aren't in a hurry or your car can't benefit from a faster charger, pick the slower charger.
- The cost of charging generally reflects the speed of charging.
- 350kW ‘ultra-rapid’ chargers generally cost more than 50kW DC chargers which generally cost more than slower AC charging (typically 7-22kW).
- Save money and leave the faster charger for someone who might need it.
Checking in on the PlugShare app is strongly encouraged.
- Others will be able to see that the charger is in use and working.
- You can get a notification if someone else checks in as ‘waiting to charge’.
- If you are waiting to charge, you will get a notification when someone ‘checks out’.
- Logging both faults and successful charging helps others to plan.
Consider also installing the NeedToCharge app.
- Allows other drivers to send you a message using only your number plate and no other personal details.
Report faults to the relevant charging provider.
- Save someone else from wasting their time!
If you're trickle-charging at overnight accommodation:
- Offer to pay a nominal amount for your electricity.
- Offer to make a PlugShare entry for the accommodation provider and explain how it will attract EV driving guests.